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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. According to Dally, where do the cops think Ponyboy and Johnny are headed?

2. Who shows up at the hospital with Darry to see Ponyboy?

3. Who tells Dally to leave the Soc girls alone?

4. What kind of car do Cherry and Marcia's boyfriends drive by in?

5. How many brothers does Ponyboy have?

Short Essay Questions

1. What things are Ponyboy thinking about as he sits at the drive-in?

2. How does Ponyboy realize that Darry truly cares for him?

3. In Chapter 1, what does Ponyboy see as differences between him and his peers?

4. What happens when Dally tries to give the Soc girls a soda at the drive-in?

5. What two differences does Cherry point out between the greasers and the Socs?

6. How do the greasers sneak into the drive-in, and why do they do it?

7. What is Ponyboy's living arrangement?

8. What injuries do Ponyboy and Johnny sustain in the fire?

9. How do Johnny and Ponyboy realize that they are not alone at the park?

10. What does Dally do when Johnny asks if his parents are worried about him?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the theme of abandonment in the novel. What actions by the characters, or events, in the story exhibit this theme? What symbols (the vacant lot, the church, etc.) point to a theme of abandonment? What is the significance of the novel's title to this theme?

Essay Topic 2

Explain how The Outsiders can be considered a "coming of age" story. How do the main characters mature?

Essay Topic 3

Compare The Outsiders to a similar rivalry story. Discuss how violence & friendships that arise between the groups, etc. are handled in each story.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 566 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample